Exercise-Related Injuries on the Rise, Especially in Women, According to New Study
Introduction
In a recent study conducted by the Journal of Craniofacial Surgery, it was found that exercise-related injuries to the head and face have significantly increased in the past decade. The study analyzed data from emergency department visits due to craniofacial injuries caused by exercise, including weightlifting and the use of exercise equipment. The findings shed light on the alarming rise in such injuries, with women being affected nearly twice as much as men. Let’s delve into the details of this concerning trend.
Study Highlights
The study found that exercise-related injuries to the head and face have risen by almost 33 percent overall from 2013 to 2022. Men accounted for roughly 56 percent of those injured, but the increase in incidence was almost twice as high in women (44.5 percent) compared to men (24.2 percent). Remarkably, individuals between the ages of 15 and 19 exhibited the highest rate of head and face injuries, accounting for approximately 10 percent of all cases.
Types of Injuries and Impact
Out of all the injuries recorded, approximately 45 percent affected the head. The most prevalent types of craniofacial injuries observed were internal injuries and lacerations, each accounting for roughly 25 percent, while bruises, sprains, and strains comprised the remaining cases. Importantly, the study found that the majority of those injured (91 percent) were treated in the emergency room and not admitted to hospitals. The researchers noted that the database used for analysis likely underreported the number of craniofacial injuries, as individuals injured during exercise may not always seek care in an ER.
Possible Causes and Risk Factors
Although the study did not mention the specific causes of exercise-related injuries, it highlighted that the high rate of injury among adolescents may be due to a combination of inexperience and a tendency to engage in high-intensity weightlifting and exercise. For men, the researchers identified a phenomenon known as “ego-lifting” as a possible contributing factor. This refers to the tendency of men to lift weights beyond their current capacity due to social pressures, sacrificing technique and increasing the risk of injuries, particularly for inexperienced participants.
Conclusion
This study sheds light on the concerning rise of exercise-related injuries, particularly among women and young adults. The findings underscore the importance of proper training, technique, and exercise practices to prevent such injuries. Further research and measures are needed to raise awareness among individuals involved in weightlifting and high-intensity exercise, in order to minimize the risk of craniofacial injuries.
This article is part of The Post’s “Big Number” series, which examines the statistical aspects of health issues. For additional information and relevant research, kindly refer to the provided hyperlinks.
